Morocco defender Manuel da Costa has heavily criticized the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after his side was eliminated by Egypt out of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals in Gabon.
"CAF must be questioned for the pitches and the long trips travelling from a city to another. I am heavily criticizing the CAF demanding them to wake up and think better for the next Cup. I hope it can be organized in better conditions," the 30-year-old Olympiacos defender told Moroccan El-Botola.com.
Morocco have been eliminated out of the quarterfinals after Sunday's 1-0 defeat to record-holders Egypt on Stade de Port-Gentil whose sub-par pitch earned the wrath of most of the teams which played on it.
"CAF must reevaluate all organizing matter. Even referees must be reconsidered. They killed [sic.] us in the first half. We play football not dancing," he added.
Sunday's loss to Egypt is the first for Morocco since 1986. The defeat hard to swallow for the Atlas Lions after they spurned several goal-scoring chances in an exciting second half.
"Many hard circumstances had limited our qualities on the pitch. The conditions were shameful," Manuel AKA Marwan da Costa stated.
Morocco proved their worth against the powerful Pharaohs but a late winner by substitute Mahmoud Kahraba two minutes from time ended their bid.
Egypt will face Burkina Faso in the semi-finals on Wednesday.
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